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Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Scripture of Holy Mass

Book of Kells (The Bible as art)

It is not widely known, although it should be, that much of the Traditional Latin Mass comes directly form Holy Scripture, both Old and New Testaments. The Mass is a prayer, the ultimate prayer, the Unbloody Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Below is the Ordinary of the Mass, and below each part that quotes from, or alludes to, the Bible, I have included that quote below it in large-type (Douay-Rheims translation.) I think in this way, readers will better understand the Biblical underpinnings of Holy Mass (at least the way it was prior to 1970; before that date, the Mass was prayed in one voice, one tongue, throughout the world, for century-upon-century), and will better appreciate why it is called the Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Ordinary of Holy Mass

A. PREPARATORY PRAYERS AT THE FOOT OF THE ALTAR[Prayers of humility, love, desire, contrition, and confidence.]

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

[During Mass, the priest makes 52 times the Sign of the Cross, the summary and emblem of the bloody Sacrifice of the Cross, which the Mass represents and renews.]

The priest, bowing down at the foot of the altar, makes theSign of the Cross, from his forehead to his breast, and says:

In nomine Patris, et Filii, † et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, † and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)Then joining his hands before his breast, he begins the Anthem:

Sacerdos. Introibo ad altare Dei.

Priest. I will go in unto the altar of God.

Minister. Ad Deum qui laetificat iuventutem meam.

Server. To God who giveth joy to my youth.

And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth. (Psalm 42:4)THE PSALM 42 -- IUDICA ME

[The priest alternates with the server in reciting this psalm to express his desire, joy and confidence in going to the altar of the Sacrifice.]

[In Masses for the Dead and from Passion Sunday till Holy Saturday exclusively, this psalm is omitted.]

S. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

A psalm for David. Judge me, O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy: deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man. For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me? Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me, and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. And I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth. To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp: why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. (Psalm 42:1-6)

The priest repeats the Anthem:

S. Introibo ad altare Dei.

P. I will go in unto the altar of God.

M. Ad Deum qui laetificat iuventutem meam.

S. To God who giveth joy to my youth.

The priest, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, says:

S. Adiutorum nostrum † in nomine Domini.

P. Our help † is in the Name of the Lord.

M. Qui fecit coelum et terram.

S. Who made heaven and earth.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 128:8)

THE PUBLIC CONFESSION [It is an acknowledgement of his guilt before God and that of all others assisting at the divine Sacrifice.]

Then, joining his hands, and humby bowing down, he says the Confiteor:

I confess to almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed,

through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:22)P. Let us pray.

THE PRIEST ASCENDS THE ALTAR

[With a prayer for pardon on his lips the priest ascends the altar, which he kisses. He kisses the altar 9 times during the Mass, begging for the intercession of the Saints whose relics repose in the altar stone.]

First extending, then joining his hands, the priest says audibly Oremus;then ascending to the altar, he says secretly:

Seven days shalt thou expiate the altar and sanctify it, and it shall be most holy. Every one that shall touch it shall be holy. (Exodus 29:37)

whose relics are here, and of all the Saints, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to forgive me all my sins. Amen.And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. (Apoc. 6:9)

[The Introit meaning entrance, is so called because the chantis begun as the priest enters the sanctuary to begin Mass.]

The Introit, Collects, Gradual, Gospel, Offertory, Secrets, Communion and Postcommunion are variable and wil be found in their places in the order of properMasses.

The priest, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross,reads the Introit of the day. (At the Masses for theDead, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the Missal.)

THE KYRIE ELEISON

[A series of invocations addressed to each of the Three Divine Persons.]

Then, joining his hands, he says alternately with the ministers:

S. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

M. Kyrie eleison.

S. Lord, have mercy.

S. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

M. Christe eleison.

S. Christ, have mercy.

S. Christe eleison.

P. Christ, have mercy.

M. Christe eleison.

S. Christ, have mercy.

S. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

M. Kyrie eleison.

S. Lord, have mercy.

S. Kyrie eleison.

P. Lord, have mercy.

O Lord, thou son of David, have mercy on us. (Matthew 20:31)THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

[The priest, filled with confidence in the divine mercy, unites his praises with those of the heavenly spirits who sang "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will," at the birth of the savior.]

Afterwards, standing at the middle of the altar, extendingand then joining his hands,and bowing slightly,the priest says -- except during Lent and Advent andin Masses for the Dead -- the Gloria in excelsis. When he saysthe words: We adore Thee, We give Thee thanks; Jesus Christ;and Receive our prayer, he bows, and at the end he signs himselfwith the Sign of the Cross from forehead to breast:

Gloria in excelsis Deo. Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will.

Laudamus te.

Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will. (Luke 2:14)

We praise Thee. (Ps. 21:23)

Benedicimus te.

We bless Thee. (Gen. 12:2)

Adoramus te.

We adore Thee. (Ps. 65:4)

Glorificamus te.

We glorify Thee. (1 Mac. 15:9)

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory. (Luke 18:11)

Domine Deus, Rex coelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father almighty. (Dan. 4:34)

Domine Fili unigenite Iesu Christe.

O Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son. (John 3:16)

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. (John 1:29)

Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. (Jn. 1:29)

Qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram.

Who takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.

Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.

Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus.

For Thou only are holy. (Apoc. 15:4)

Tu solus Dominus.

Thou only art the Lord. (Isaias 37:20)

Tu solus Altissimus Iesu Christe.

Thou only art most high, O Jesus Christ. (Ps. 96:9)

Cum Sancto Spiritu† in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

Together with the Holy Ghost† in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Then the priest kisses the altar, and turning to the people says:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you. (Ruth 2:4)

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

[The little ceremony of the Dominus vobiscum, repeated several times during the Mass, shows how intimately the priest andfaithful should be united in offering the Sacrifice.]

THE COLLECTS[SECOND VARIABLE PART]

[The Collects mean the collected prayers of all the faithful assisting at the Holy Sacrifice. Raising his voice, his hands, and his sentiments to God, the priest excites the faithful to unite their prayers with his.]

S. Oremus.

P. Let us pray.

[Here follow the Collects, variable according to the Massthat is being celebrated, and which will be found in their place.]

At the end of the first and last Collect the server answers:

M. Amen.

S. Amen.

[The word "Amen," answered to these and other prayers, indicates that all those assisting subscibe to the petitions in the priest's prayers.]

THE EPISTLE[THIRD VARIABLE PART]

[The Epistle is a short selection taken from the epistles or letters of St. Paul or another Apostle, or from another book of the Old or New Testament, except the Gospels.]

Then is read the Epistle of the Day. At High Mass the subdeaconsings the Epistle. At the end of the Epistle, the serveranswers:

E.G. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable his ways! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be made him? For of him, and by him, and in him, are all things: to him be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

M. Deo gratias.

S. Thanks be to God.

THE GRADUAL

Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever. (Daniel 3:55-56)

At Low Masses, the priest, bowing down at the middle of the altar,with his hands joined, says:

Clease my heart and my lips, O almighty God, who didst cleanse the lips of the prophet Isaias with a burning coal, and vouchsafe, through Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me, that I may worthily announce Thy holy Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord be in thy heart and on thy lips, that thou mayest worthily and in a becoming manner, proclaim His holy Gospel.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, † et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, † and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then, turning back to towards the book, with his hands joined, thepriest -- at Solemn Masses the deacon -- says:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

THE GOSPEL[FIFTH VARIABLE PART]

[The Gospel is a selection drawn from one of the gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The Gospel is the most solemn of the readings at the Mass, because it tells a story of our Savior Jesus Christ, whose words and deeds it recalls.The faithful rise and remain standing during the Gospel.At the beginning they make the Sign of the Cross upon the forehead, lips and heart to declare that they will never be ashamed of the word of God, that they are ready to confess it by word of mouth, and that they love it with all their heart.]

And while saying:

Sequentia (vel Initium) sancti Evangelii secundum N . . .

The continuation (or beginning) of the holy Gospel according to N . . .

The priest signs the Book, and himself on theforehead, mouth, and breast; the server says:

[At Solemn Masses he is then incensed by the deacon.][In Masses for the Dead, the Munda cor is said, but the blessingis not asked, and the priest does not kiss the Gospel.]

THE CREDO (CREED)

[On Sundays and certain Feasts the priest recites the Creed, a summary of the Catholic Doctrine. This profession of faith was drawn up in the General Councils of Nice in 325 and Constantinople in 381 to condemn heretics who denied that Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost were God.][It is usually sung at High Mass.][Recite the Apostles' Creed with fervor and attention.]

Who together, with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified: Who spoke by the prophets.

Et unam sanctam catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.

And in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorem.

And I look for the resurrection of the dead.

† Et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.

† And the life of the world to come. Amen.

I believe in One God (Hebrews 11:6), The Father (1 Cor. 8:6), Almighty (Apoc. 1:8), Maker of Heaven and earth (Exodus 20:11), And of all things visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16), And in One Lord (Acts 10:36), The only Begotten Son of God (John 1:14), Born of the Father before all ages (1 John 4:9), God of God, Light of Light (John 1:4), True God of true God (John 5:18), Begotten, not made (John 8:58), Consubstantial with the Father (John 10:30), By Whom all things were made (John 1:3), Who for us men and for our salvation (Matthew 1:21), Came down from Heaven (John 3:31), And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:35), Of the Virgin Mary (Luke 2:6-7), And was made man (John 1:4), He was crucified also for us (Mark 15:25), Suffered under Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:26), And was buried (Matthew 27:60), The third day He rose again (Matthew 28:6), According to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 5:4), And ascended into Heaven (Luke 24:51), Sitteth at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19), And He shall come agine with glory (Matthew 25:31), To judge both the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1), Of whose Kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:33), And I believe in the Holy Ghost (John 14:26), Giver of Life (Romans 8:2), Who Proceedeth from the Father (John 15:26), And the Son (Romans 8:9), Who, together with the father and the Son, is adored and glorified (Apoc. 4:8), Who spoke by the prophets (2 Peter 1:21), And in One (John 10:16), Holy (Eph. 5:26), Catholic (Romans 10:18), Apostolic Church (Ephesians 2:20), I confess one Baptism (Eph. 4:5), For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), And I look for the Resurrection of the dead (Romans 6:5), And the Life of the world to come (Matthew 25:34)

II. MASS OF THE FAITHFUL [This is the most important part of the Mass. Thosewho do not assist at it entirely do not hear Mass.]

A. FROM THE OFFERTORY TO THE PREFACE(Offertory) [Prayers of self-surrender and oblation.]

THE OFFERTORY VERSE[SIXTH VARIABLE PART]

The priest kisses the altar, and turning to the people says:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

[After saluting the people once more, the priest enters upon the Sacrifice of the Mass proper and urges the faithful to pray with him.]

S. Oremus.

P. Let us pray.

Then the priest reads the Offertory-verse, a short quotationfrom Holy Scripture which varies with the Mass of each day.

[This being finished, he offers the bread andwine, which, by virtue of the words of consecration, he is going to change intothe adorable Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.]

Accept, O holy Father, almighty and eternal God, this unspotted host, which I, Thy unworthy servant, offer unto Thee, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offenses, and negligences, and for all here present: as also for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that it may avail both me and them for salvation unto life everlasting. Amen.

Cf. 2Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:18

Making the Sign of the Cross with the paten, he places the hostupon the corporal. He pours wine and water into the chalice,blessing the water before it is mixed.

[He pours a few drops of water into the chalice containing wine, in remembrance of the water and blood which flowed from the side of Jesus when pierced by the soldier's lance.]

O God, † who, in creating human nature, didst wonderfully dignify it, and still more wonderfully restore it, grant that, by the Mystery of this water and wine, we may be made partakers of His divine nature, who vouchsafed to be made partaker of our human nature, even Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, who with Thee, liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God: world without end. Amen.

[In Masses for the Dead, the foregoing prayer is said, but the water is not blessed.]

Come, O almighty and eternal God, the Sanctifier, and bless † this Sacrifice, prepared for the glory of Thy holy Name.

THE INCENSING OF THE OFFERINGS AT HIGH MASS

[What is offered unto the living God: 1) Bread; 2) Wine; 3) We ourselves -- all the faithful. Hence this threefold gift unto God is incensed because all the faithful, through this offertorial act, have become holy unto God.]

At Solemn Masses, the priest now blesses incense,saying the following prayers:

May the Lord, by the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel, who standeth at the right side of the altar of incense, and of all His Elect, vouchsafe to bless † this incense and receive it as an odor of sweetness: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Receiving the thurible from the deacon, the priest incensesthe bread and the wine, while he says:

My foot hath stood in the direct way, in the churches I will bless Thee, O Lord.

Gloria Patri . . .

Glory to the Father . . .

I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass thy altar, O Lord: That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works. I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth. Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts. (Psalms 25:6-10)

THE PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Bowing down before the middle of the alter, the priest,with joined hands, says:

Receive, O holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to Thee, in memory of the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, that it may avail unto their honor and our salvation, and may they vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE ORATE FRATRES

The priest kisses the altar and, turning towards the people,extending, then joining his hands, says audibly:

S. May the Lord receive the Sacrifice from thy hands, to the praise and glory of His Name, to our benefit and that of all His holy Church.

The priest answers in a low voice:

S. Amen.

P. Amen.

THE SECRETS[SEVENTH VARIABLE PART]

[The priest recommends the offering just made in one or several short prayers, called Secret Prayers.]

Then, with outstretched hands, he recites the Secret Prayers,not beginning with Oremus. The Secret Prayers varywith the Mass, and are found in the Mass of the Day.

These being finished, the priest says or sings:

S. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

P. World without end.

M. Amen.

S. Amen.

B. FROM THE PREFACE TO THE PATER NOSTER(Consecration) [A prayer of thanksgiving, the Preface, introducing a prayer of impetration, the Canon.]

THE PREFACE

[The priest begins the preface, a call to render thanks to God the Father, through Jesus Christ, in union with all the heavenly spirits. The prayer of thanksgiving and praise varies with inportant Feasts. There are at the present time 15 different prefaces which are given in the Ordinary of the Mass.]

The priest begins the Preface, holding his hands over the altar:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

He raises them a little when he says:

S. Sursum corda.

P. Lift up your hearts.

M. Habemus ad Dominum.

S. We have lifted them up to the Lord.

He joins them before his breast, and bows his head, when he says:

S. Gratias agimus Domino Deo nostro.

P. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

M. Dignum et iustum est.

S. It is meet and just.

The priest then disjoins his hands and keeps them thus until after the endof the Preface, which varies with the day, after which he again joins themand bowing says Sanctus. When he says Benedictus, he blesses himself.The different prefaces will be found in their respective Propers.

THE SANCTUS

[The triumphal hymn of the Angels, the "Trisagion" (thrice holy) is addressed to the three divine Persons. It is composed of words taken from Isaias (6. 3), from Psalm 117, and from the acclamations which greeted Jesus on the occasion of His solemn entry into Jerusalem (Matth. 21.)]

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest!1

The "Benedictus" is usually sung after the consecration, but is said before by the priest:

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.2

Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!2

Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God of hosts, all the earth is full of his glory. (Isaias 6:3)

And the multitudes that went before and that followed, cried, saying: Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9)

THE CANON OF THE MASS

[The word Canon is derived from the Greek, and signifies: Rule, direction, order. The Canon comprises the fixed forms of prayer in the Mass from the Sanctus to the Pater noster: The Ruleof Consecration.]

THE PRAYERS BEFORE THE CONSECRATION

[Before the Consecration the priest recommends to God: a) the Church, the ecclesiastical authorities; b) the living persons for whom he prays especially, and the faithful who are present; c)then he invokes the Saints and implores their protection.]

a.) For the Church and the Ecclesiastical Authorities

The priest, extending, raising and thenjoining his hands, raising his eyes towards heavenand deeply bowing, says in a low voice:

which in the first place we offer Thee for Thy holy Catholic Church to which vouchsafe to grant peace, as also to preserve, unite, and govern it throughout the world, together with Thy servant N., our Pope, and N., our Bishop, and all orthodox believers and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.

b) Commemoration of the Living

[In union with thepriest, mention here the names of the persons and the intentions for which youoffer the Divine Victim.]

Momento, Domine, famulorum, famularumque tuarum N. et N.

Be mindful, O Lord, of Thy servants and handmaidens, N. et N.

The priest joins his hands and prays silently for those for whom he intends to pray.Then extending his hands, he proceeds:

and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known unto Thee, for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee, this sacrifice of praise for themselves, their families and friends, for the redemption of their souls, for the health and salvation they hope for; and who now pay their vows to Thee, the everlasting, living and true God.

c) Invocation of the Saints

[The feasts and octaves of Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, the Ascension, and Whitsunday have their own proper Communicantes, which may be found in their respective propers.]

Communicating with, and honoring in the first place the memory of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord and God Jesus Christ: as also of the blessed Joseph, her Spouse, and of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon, and Thaddeus; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy Saints, through whose merits and prayers, grant that we may in all things be defended by the help of Thy protection.

And the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, and James the son of Alpheus, and Thaddeus (Matthew 10:2-3)

Cf. 2. Timothy 4:21, Phillipians 4:3

He joins his hands.

Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYER AT THE CONSECRATIONa) Oblation of the Victim to God

[In the name of the Church the priest prays that almighty God graciously accept the oblation.]

We therefore beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation of our service, as also of Thy whole family; and to dispose our days in Thy peace, preserve us from eternal damnation, and rank us in the number of Thine Elect.

He joins his hands.

Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

(The Hanc igitur for Easter and Whitsunday is different, and is found in their respective Propers.)

He blessed † it, broke it and gave it to His disciples saying: Take and eat ye all of this, (Matthew 26:26)

[The words of the Consecration of the Host:]

HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM.

FOR THIS IS MY BODY.

After pronouncing the words of the Consecration,the priest, kneeling, adores the Sacred Host; rising, he elevates It.-- Look up at the Sacred Host, with faith, piety, and love, saying:"My Lord and my God."3 -- and then placing It on thecorporal, again adores It. After this he never disjoins his fingersand thumbs, except when he is to take the Host, until after the washingof his fingers.

Consecration of the WineThen, uncovering the chalice, the priest says:

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT, THE MYSTERY OF FAITH; WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS.

After the elevation of the Chalice, the priest says in a low voice:

Haec quotiescumque feceritis, in mei memoriam facietis.

As often as ye do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of Me.

The priest kneels and adores the Precious Blood;rising, he elevates the Chalice, and setting it downhe covers it and adores it again.

c) Oblation of the Victim to God

[In the name of the Church the priest asks God the Father to accept the Body and Blood of His Son as He did that of Abel, of Abraham, and of Melchisedech, which were figures of the Sacrifice offered first on Calvary and then renewed in each Holy Mass.]

Wherefore, O Lord, we Thy servants, as also Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of the same Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, and also His Resurrection from the dead and His glorious Ascension into heaven: do offer unto Thy most excellent Majesty of Thine own gifts, bestowed upon us,

He joins his hands and signs thrice the Host andChalice with the Sign of the Cross.

hostiam † puram, hostiam † sanctam, hostiam † immaculatam.

a pure † Host, a holy † Host, an unspotted † Host,

He signs the Host and the Chalice, with the Sign of the Cross.

Panem † sanctum vitae aeternae, et Calicem † salutis perpetuae.

the holy † Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice † of everlasting salvation.

Upon which vouchsafe to look with a propitious and serene countenance, and to accept them, as Thou wert graciously pleased to accept the gifts of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high priest Melchisedech offered to Thee, -- a holy Sacrifice, and unspotted Victim.

But Melchisedech the king of Salem, bringing forth bread and wine, for he was the priest of the most high God, (Genesis 14:18)Bowing down, with his hands joined andplaced upon the altar, he says:

at this altar, may be filled with every heavenly grace and blessing. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE PRAYERS AFTER THE CONSECRATION

[Here the priest a) offers the Body and Blood of Christ for the comfort of the souls in Purgatory, b) invokes the saints that through their intercession we may share in the heavenly inheritance destined for us, c) and finishes the Canon.]

To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace;

He joins his hands, and bows his head:

Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

b) Invocation of the Saints

[Nobis quoque peccatoribus are the only words in the Canon which the priest pronounces in a somewhat elevated tone of voice, to symbolize an act of public self-humiliation; at the same time he strikes his breast in a token of contrition.]

To us also, Thy sinful servants, confiding in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs, with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and with all Thy Saints, into whose company we beseech Thee to admit us, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses.

c) Final Doxology of the Canon and Minor Elevation

[It is now, with the closing prayer of the Canon, that the Body and Blood of our Lord are offered up to God.]

He joins his hands.

Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

Through Christ our Lord.

Per quem haec omnia, Domine, semper bona creas,

By Whom, O Lord, Thou dost ever create.

He signs thrice the Host and the Chalice, saying:

sancti†ficas, vivi†ficas, bene†dicis, et praestas nobis.

sanctify, † quicken, † bless, † and give unto us all these good things.

He uncovers the Chalice, and genuflects: then takingthe Host in his right hand, and holding the Chalice in his left,he signs with the Sign of the Cross three timesacross the Chalice, saying:

Per ip†sum, et cum ip†so, et in ip†so,

By Him, † and with Him, † and in Him †

For of him, and by him, and in him, are all things: to him be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)He signs twice between the Chalice and his breast.

est tibi Deo Patri † omnipotenti, in unitate Spiritus † Sancti,

is to Thee, God the Father † almighty, in the unity of the Holy † Ghost,

He elevates a little the Chalice with the Host.

omnis honor et gloria.

all honor and glory.

Replacing the Host, and covering the Chalice, he kneels down,and rising again, he says (or sings):

S. Per omnia saecula saeculorum.

P. World without end.

M. Amen.

S. Amen.

[The priest brings to an end all the preceding prayers of the Canon by saying aloud, "Per omnia . . .", while the faithful assent to all that has been said by answering "Amen."]

C. FROM THE PATER NOSTER TO THE ABLUTIONS(Communion)[Prayers of love and desire.]

THE PATER NOSTER

[Thereupon the priest sings or says aloud the Lord's prayer, taught us by the Savior Himself.]

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; (Mattew 6:9) Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (6:10) Give us this day our daily bread. (Luke 11:3) And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. (Matthew 6:13)

[The server, or the choir, in the name of the people, says the last petition.]

M. Sed libera nos a malo.

S. But deliver us from evil.

The priest says in a low voice:

S. Amen.

P. Amen.

THE LIBERA NOS AND THE DIVISION OF THE HOST

[This prayer mentions in detail the evils from which we beg to be delivered. At the end of this prayer the Sacred Host is divided to symbolize the immolation of the Victim, the separation of the Body and Soul of Jesus when He died upon Calvary.]

Then the priest takes the paten between the firstand second finger and says:

Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all evils, past, present, and to come; and by the intercession of the Blessed and glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and of Andrew, and of all the Saints,

O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst to Thine Apostles: Peace I leave you, My peace I give you: (John 15:27) regard not my sins, but the faith of Thy Church; and vouchsafe to grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will: Who livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

In Solemn Masses the kiss of peace is now given;the Celebrant kisses the altar, then saluting the deacon, says:

S. Pax tecum.

P. Peace be with thee.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

[The position of this sign of fraternal charity is characteristic. Before receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord the Christians should show that they are at peace with their brethren.]

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, according to the will of Thy Father, with the cooperation of the Holy Ghost, hast by Thy death given life to the world; deliver me by this Thy most sacred Body and Blood, from all my iniquities and from all evils; and make me always cleave to Thy commandments, and suffer me never to be separated from Thee, Who livest and reignest, with the same God the Father and the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O Lord, Jesus Christ, which I, though unworthy, presume to receive, turn to my judgment and condemnation; but let it, through Thy mercy, become a safeguard and remedy, both for soul and body; Who with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest God, world without end. Amen.

THE PRAYERS AT THE COMMUNIONa) Communion of the PriestCommunion of the Body

The priest genuflects, rises and says:

Panem coelestem accipiam, et nomen Domini invocabo.

I will take the Bread of heaven, and will call upon the Name of the Lord.

[He then repeats the words of the Centurion whose humble prayer obtained the healing of his servant.]

Slightly inclining, he takes both halves of the Host betweenthe thumb and forefinger of his left hand, and thepaten between the same forefinger and the middle one;then striking his breast with his right hand, and raisinghis voice a little, he says three times devoutly and humbly:

What return shall I make to the Lord for all He has given to me? I will take the chalice of salvation, and call upon the Name of the Lord. Praising I will call upon the Lord, and I shall be saved from my enemies.

What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things he hath rendered unto me? I will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalms 115:12-13)

The priest takes the Chalice and making the Signof the Cross with it, says:

I confess to almighty God, to the blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed,

through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore I beseech the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray to the Lord our God for me.

After which the priest communicates those who are tocommunicate, if there be any, saying:

May Thy Body, O Lord, which I have received, and Thy Blood which I have drunk, cleave to my bowels; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, who have been fed with this pure and holy Sacrament; Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

The priest then washes his fingers and receives the secondablution. Then he covers the chalice and folding the corporal,places it on the chalice, as at the beginning of Mass,and goes to the right side of the altarto say the prayers from the Missal.

THE COMMUNION-VERSE[EIGHTH VARIABLE PART]

[The Communion-verse, which varies with the Feast, is a short selection from Holy Scripture.]

The priest kisses the altar.Then he turns to the people, and says or sings:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

S. Oremus.

P. Let us pray.

III. CONCLUSION OF THE MASS[The dismissal and blessing of people, and the last Gospel.]

THE DISMISSAL[The priest announces that the Eucharistic action is ended.]

He turns to the people and says:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

S. Ite, Missa est.

P. Go, the Mass is ended.

M. Deo gratias.

S. Thanks be to God.

[At Solemn Mass the dismissal of the people with the chant of Ite, Missa est pertains to the office of the Deacon.]

If the Gloria in excelsis has not been said,there is said instead of the Ite, Missa est:

S. Benedicamus Domino.

P. Let us bless the Lord.

M. Deo gratias.

S. Thanks be to God.

In Masses for the Dead is said:

S. Requiescant in pace.

P. May they rest in peace.

M. Amen.

S. Amen.

In Easter Week is said:

S. Ite, Missa est, alleluia, alleluia.

P. Go, the Mass is ended, alleluia, alleluia.

M. Deo gratias, alleluia, alleluia.

S. Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.

THE BLESSING

The priest, making a profound reverence, again asks the Blessed Trinity graciously to accept this Holy Sacrifice.]

May the performance of my homage be pleasing to Thee, O holy Trinity: and grant that the Sacrifice which I, though unworthy, have offered up in the sight of Thy Majesty, may be acceptable to Thee, and through Thy mercy, be a propitiation for me, and for all those for whom I have offered it. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Then he turns to the faithful, invoking upon them the blessing of God and making over them the Sign of the Cross.]

He kisses the altar, and raising his eyes, extending, raisingand joining his hands, he bows down his head and says:

[The beginning of the Gospel of Saint John, which retraces the Incarnation of the Son of God, is read from the card at the altar. If the book is used, a different gospel is read.At the end, the server answers "Deo gratias." It is eminently proper that the last word of the Mass should be one of thanksgiving.]

Then turning to the Gospel side of the altar, the priest says:

S. Dominus vobiscum.

P. The Lord be with you.

M. Et cum spiritu tuo.

S. And with thy spirit.

He then traces the Sign of the Cross, first uponthe altar, and then upon his forehead, lips, and breast, and says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was made nothing that was made: in Him was life, and the life was the Light of men; and the Light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to testify concerning the Light, taht all might believe through Him. He was not the Light, be he was to testify concerning the Light. That was the true Light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him to them He gave power to become sons of God, to them that believe in His Name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.